Hey guys! Chapter 2! Thanks for the great reviews of the first one. I was anxious to get this one out. I have so many ideas going on inside. This one's a bit mushy involving the friendship, but I think you guys will really appreciate it. It adds to the story. The romance is starting to develop, but that is going to come in time. A best friend dosn't become a lover overnight. ;p Anyway, I hope you like! More to come soon! Also, a big thanks to JoAnne! I couldn't have done this story without you!
As Hermione walked into the Great Hall, her breath caught. Everything was different. The four tables were gone, and instead the space was filled with white wicker chairs, that had little cushions built into them. The teachers table was replaced by a podium and a long white carpet the students would walk down to accept their diplomas. The ceiling was a crystal blue, with light fluffy clouds, and flowers were everywhere. It was a picturesque scene that she knew she would never forget.
She spotted her parents in the front row and nearly ran over to them. Her dad crushed her in a bear hug, and her mum already had her handkerchief out, eyes bloodshot. Apparently Mrs. Weasly had quite an affect on people.
"I'm so proud of you Hermione. We both are. You've grown up so fast; your not our little girl anymore." Hermione's dad said, tears shinning in his eyes. Her mum couldn't handle this, and broke out into a fresh batch of tears.
"Oh dad, I'll always be your little girl, always." Hermione said, grasping her dad's hand, letting a single tear run down her cheek.
"Well you better go with your friends; this is your big day. We'll talk to you after." Her dad said squeezing her hand before letting it go. Hermione opened her mouth to protest but her dad turned her towards Ron and Harry. He pushed gently on her back. "Go," he whispered. "We'll be fine."
Hermione walked over to them who were in the middle of a conversation. As they saw her, they broke off in the middle of a sentence, and their faces lit up.
"Well don't you look stunning Ms. Granger," Harry said, his face beaming.
"Not too shabby yourself Mr. Potter," Hermine laughed.
"Oh God! My friends are hot for each other!" Ron said, making fake retching noises.
All three burst into laughter and Hermione gave him a playful shove. "Oh come off it Ron. Just cause that's all you think about, doesn't mean we're all perverted gits."
"No, he's just mad cause you didn't compliment him." Harry laughed. "But then, who would? With that face, I'm surprised people don't run away screaming. Oh wait, they do!"
Ron and Harry began to wrestle, until they bumped into Professor Mcgonagal who was hurrying by carrying a huge pile of scrolls. She glared at them and said in a matter of fact voice, "Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley, I do not want to yell at you on your graduation day, but if you don't start acting your age, I'm going to have to!" With that she swept off.
They all turned to look at each other, and then burst into a fit of laughter. "I guess some things never change." Ron said.
With this the group quieted a bit. The subject of change brought lots of different thoughts into their minds. As they all stared at each other, Hermione realized that this is what she's going to miss most. Not the common rooms or the classes like she thought. It wasn't going to be the teachers or the actual building. It was going to be those two men (she shuddered at the thought that is what they now are) standing in front of her. The hanging out and joking around that happened daily. It wasn't ever going to be the same. They would be working, and buying houses, and figuring out their lives. They'd have to grow up, and that in itself was a scary prospect.
As she looked up to meet their eyes, she saw the same thing flickering in a swirl of green and brown. It was fear. And she knew her eyes mirrored theirs.
Hermione felt a light tap on her shoulder. She jumped and twirled around, finding herself face to face with Professor Dumbledore. His eyes were bright with excitement, and he looked at each of them in turn, as if trying to find something in them. At last he smiled a soft smile and declared, "It's time."
She didn't think two words could do so much to a person. She at once felt queasy, and just as she was about to fall, she felt a hand on each shoulder. She smiled at the comfort. One hand, large, strong and firm, was Ron's, who would never let her go. The other hand, was smaller, and softer, more comforting. That was Harry's, and she knew he'd always be there no matter what. She felt so overcome by these two gestures that she sank to her knees, tears flowing freely. Everything pent up inside was released as she sobbed at their feet. They were down on their knees in an instant. Harry began to rock her slowly while Ron was looking quite confused.
"Mione......what's wrong? Did we do something wrong." Concern was etched into his face.
"Ju- Just promise me that you will never leave me. I don't know what I would do without either of you. I just, I'm just so scared. Promise me that whatever happens, we'll be there for each other. I don't think I'll be able to go up there if I don't know this."
"Of course we'll be there for you. You think we're just gonna abandon you after tonight? You mean too much to us to let you go. We'll always be there Mione, always." Harry said wipping away her tears with his finger. "Now lets go, or they're going to start without us." He lifted her up, and Ron walked on the other side of her.
"Are you alright now? We could sit here a while longer if you don't want to go up there yet."
"No, that's okay. I'm feeling much better now. In fact," she said, feeling the comfort of the two hands by her side as she began to walk to where all their friends were standing, getting ready to start. "I'm feeling better than ever."
Well, whatever your views on the story, please write them! Just fill out the box that says review and hit send. I would really appreciate it! Thanks,
Erin